“I came here to rescue someone who reminded me of the boy I once was, only to find that I am still that boy. Lost. Helpless. Broken.”
•
Okay let me get this straight. This book is very good, it’s quite fast and fascinating. The problem is that I have seen this kind of story so many times that it might get a little bit predictable.

Ahn is a young woman who is trying to keep her magic a secret, but she is the life stealer and she cannot run from her destiny. I really don’t envy her: she has a father that I would not recommend to my greatest enemy, but she is very sweet and a little bit naïve sometimes. She desperately wants to be loved because she has been abandoned and this obfuscates her judgement sometimes.

Altan is the rightful heir of the throne, who has been usurped and he reluctantly starts working with Ahn to reach a common goal: saving the empire.

Altan and Ahn are very sweet together and there are parts of the story, like legends and myths, that were really interesting, as well and the worldbuilding. The chapter before the epilogue is a bit unexpected, I mean I like bittersweet endings and it reminded me of the end of the Winner’s Trilogy, but in my opinion it is quite ruined by the very end which was so so predictable 🙈. Still.. I am here for the sequel 🙌🏻.

Thanks to NetGalley for the early copy.

Reading June C.L. Tan’s debut novel, really felt like watching a Chinese historical drama. We have a fantasy setting with a dab of Chinese mythology, a slow-burn romance, some nice combat scenes, and strong main characters. It doesn’t have the most original storyline, since it features the prince who wants to reclaim his throne and the chosen one’s tropes, but I didn’t mind it since it is tropes that I like to read about. Moreover, the romance takes an important part of the story, but like I previously said, it’s a slow-burn romance, so it takes a long time before anything happens.

However, even if I compared it to a Chinese drama, it is more diverse since there are sapphic side characters which, I think, don’t happen a lot in dramas.

I thought it was going to be a standalone novel, but the epilogue leaves some room for a sequel in the future. I will gladly read whatever Tan will produce next.

I’ve had my eyes on Jade Fire Gold for a while and I was super excited to get my hands on it.

The story is quite simple in a way, but I loved the characters and the world Tan came up with. I did have my issues with the way the story unfolded it sometimes and the predictability of it, but I still really enjoyed it and I’m excited for the next book!

Moreover, those graphics in the books for title headers and part dividers are gorgeous.

trigger warning
<spoiler> kidnapping, torture, self harm, suicide, death by fire, grief, trauma, memory loss, being drugged, being poisoned </spoiler>

Ahn lives in a desert that is ever growing, consuming more and more land, and hides strange magic - even from herself. Altan has been trained as an assassin, and he has only one goal in life.
They might have to work together.

Soooo from my star rating you can already see that we did not get along with each other.
This is a Chinese inspired YA fantasy and I can tell you nothing (in numbers: 0) about how well Chinese culture and mythology are represented. Heck, I can't even tell if this is historical fiction (with magic) or set in a fantasy world. Go elsewhere for that.

And since we're talking about rep, if you came for the queer: There are two side characters who refer to having a girlfriend (yes, they date each other so that raises the total count to two queer people), and it's mentioned like three times and doesn't come up elsewhere. I did not deem this as enough rep to get a tag, and I know that if I came for sapphic romance, I'd be hugely disappointed.

What I <i>can</i> talk about is the plot, the characters, and the overall storytelling or lack thereof.
We have two POVs from people at very different places. When we meet Ahn, she is honing her stealing abilities because she needs both food <i>and</i> medicine for her sick grandma, the only person she has in the world, while Altar is a trained assassin belonging to a secret sect, travelling the world with a personal mission. Through chance, they meet at a market, and this is the moment the reader knows they'll wind up together. Or maybe not? In the course of the book, Ahn makes pretty eyes at three different guys, and I am still not convinced that this will remain a simple cut affair. Who needs a love triangle when you could have a rectangle?

Ahn is a chosen one. There is no prophecy in this book, but an old legend, because the ability of the chosen one has appeared before and will do so again in the future.

The pacing is awful. There are big lulls in which nothing happens at all that could have been edited out. Both PoVs feel very similiar to each other up to a point at which I stopped reading the header to see who the narrator will be, and looked out for if they're describing the pretty girl they're travelling with or the handsome guy with the shiny hair and only one eye.

Listen, I am running out of words here. The plot was utterly predictable, and the characters were not three dimensional people but functions they had to play for the plot. Ahn's grandmother?
<spoiler> Leverage to be used against Ahn to make her do things. </spoiler>
I've been convinced from the beginning that <spoiler> Ahn and Alteran are siblings and both need to combine their forces to save the world, yadda yadda. Kinda yin and yang, balancing each other out. </spoiler>
I've been unable to find out if this is a standalone (to be honest, I did not spend much time on this research since I don't care that much) or the first book in a series. I kept expecting it to be a standalone, but the ending sounds like there are things to come, and I am very sure of some things, like the one mentioned in the last spoiler, that haven't been adressed yet. The epilogue introduces a new figure, you don't do that if it's the last word you'll say about it ever again.

The only part I liked about this book was the scene with a dragon and that lasted maybe two pages, tops. He was perfect, spouting mysterious words nobody understood and then vanishing into thin air. I am sure he had better things to do.

All in all, this feels like it could have been big ten years ago. <i>Written</i> ten years ago. The sheer amount of clichés meant that I felt I had already read this book. If you want wuxia YA fantasy with a huge romance plotline, I'd recommend Songs of Insurrection by KC Kang.

Needless to say, I won't recommend Jade Fire Gold, won't read on, and won't read more by the same author. The thing that intrigued me about this was the setting, the Chinese mythology, and I can get that elsewhere, with better storytelling.

The arc was provided by the publisher.

I was really excited about the premises of this book when I heard about it and let me tell you it did not disappoint. The writing, characters and world building was amazing. The pacing was done really well and I was immersed in the story straight away. Really looking forward to the next instalment.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this eArc.

I was really excited for this one and it did not disappoint.
I absolutely loved the dynamic of the main characters/narrators and their closest friends and allies.
It’s packed with magic and chinese mythology.
Chosen one, enemies to lovers tropes, my faves!
I do feel like there were some pacing issues in the latter half of the book to the point where I had to go back a couple of times cause I couldn’t grasp entirely what had happened previously!

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing this eARC.
Oh I really loved reading this book. Some infos and tropes here:
Inspired by asian myths
- It's slow paced and has dual POVs
- Enemies-to-lovers
- One-bed-trope
- Zutara vibes (yesss I know)
- Lesbian side characters
- Women with swords (They are sooo powerful)
- Lost heir/hidden royalty and The Chosen One
This book is perfection. The author did a phenomenal job. I love Altan and Ahn. They have a great dynamic and I love their banter. Plus their path from enemies-to-lovers through slow-burn romance is perfection. And the fact that the gay characters didn't die. It's something we need to have more in books. Plus I love the fact that they are in a stable relationship.
The book reminds me of Avatar: The last Airbender and Shadow & Bone. And the epilogue. I'm still shocked. I really recommend this book to you. Pick it up and let the new, fascinating world and their characters enchant you.

I really enjoyed this for the most part and it was a really interesting fantasy novel.

The writing was fantastic and immersive and the world-building was super intriguing as were the motivations behind certain characters and decisions. I really liked Ahn's character, however, I didn't really like Altan and I never completely warmed up to him throughout the duration of the book and didn't buy his interactions with Ahn at all.

The pacing also threw me slightly, it was very slow for the first half, and then at about 52% everything started happening at once and it felt a little bit rushed for me.

However, this is a super fun read and there are a lot of exciting elements to it and for a fantasy story, it definitely ticks a lot of the boxes I love.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this in exchange for an honest review.

Full RTC. Thoroughly enjoyed this, wish the ending was so neatly wrapped up though as this could have great potential for a sequel because all of the lore has definitely not been explored properly.

OMG YALL THIS BOOK!

I absolutely loved this books and everything about it! It’s defo up there as one of my fave books of the year! What are you waiting for?! Go order it rn!

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the eArc in exchange for an honest review

First, can I point out that this year I have read a few books on Chinese mythology and it wasn't until this book that I found out it was Xianxia. I really appreciate this and will look into this further.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ahn and Altan were genuinely likeable main characters where although they were on a journey and this book had two POV's you knew exactly whose POV it was without paying too much attention to the start of the chapter.

Ahn was someone I thought had the potential to be mundane but she isn't. She certainly comes into her own as the story progresses and once she is away from her family. Altan is the typical brooding main character but he has his redeemable traits.

I for one would love to have seen POVs from a couple of the side characters and how they felt things were going and to see their side of the story.

The epilogue leads me to believe there will be a sequel and I will certainly be on the lookout for this.

Actual rating 2.5 stars.

Jade Fire Gold was one of my most anticipated 2021 reads. Ever since I heard that the premise was "Zuko x Katara, but make it darker", I've been waiting not-so-patiently for this book. Sadly, Jade Fire Gold didn't quite reach my expectations, and a lot of it has to do with the main characters's relationship and dynamic.

Let's talk about the good thing first. The story itself is quite interesting. Set in China-inspired world, we follow Ahn, a peasant from middle-of-nowhere, and Altan, the son of the previous emperor who was betrayed by his own brother. With that much differences, their path shouldn't have crossed each other, and yet thanks to the red thread of fate, it did. Suddenly, they both find themselves trying to save their country from dark magic, and also from the corruption that unfold in the palace.

My main problem with this book is the characters's relationship and dynamic. Since there are a lot of time jumps, we couldn't really see how their relationship develop. They went from strangers to allies to lovers really fast, even if time-wise, there were months between it. Because of that, I couldn't really see the Zutara dynamics that we were promised. Most of the plot is also tied to their relationship, so sadly even if the story is intriguing, I couldn't enjoy it fully.

Overall, this book actually has potential. It might've been good if it was split into duology instead of rushing it all in one book (though judging by the epilogue, there might be a continuation).

*I receive an ARC in exchange of honest review from the publisher. Thank you Hodder & Stoughton for the book!

Where do I even begin!?
I absolutely adored this book!! Firstly I wanted to say thank you for sending me this book!! I thought it was so well put together. The writing was so beautiful as well! I loved it so much. I thought the characters were very well rounded. Ahn and Altan were both incredibly interesting to read. Also I found the entire plot to be really intriguing and the worldbuilding of the story to be really thorough! I could really imagine everything that was happening! I loved this book so so much.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Hodder & Stoughton for granting me an ARC of Jade, Fire, Gold.

An exiled prince and a girl who discovers she possesses a terrifying magic join forces to heal their lands, but not all is at seems.

I loved Altan and Ahn's backstories. Ahn's in particular had me wondering if her backstory was real or if she was just being used and lied to. I won't ruin it for anyone wanting to read. Altan and Ahn infuriated me at times with their reactions to one another upon discovering lies the other had told but I really liked the slow burn they had going on. I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing where they're going to go!

First of all, I would like to say thank you for the review copy, which was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley. This fact does not in any way affect my personal opinion on this book. This post contains advertising and the rights for the book belong to the publisher.

Of course is this only my personal opinion on the book and just because i give this rating to the book doesn't mean, that everyone will have that opinion.

Jade Fire Gold was one of my most anticipated releases for this year and it did not disappoint. I loved the world-building and the mythical aspect of it. The relationships between the characters were amazing and I fell in love with a certain side character and everyone who has read the book will know who I mean.<br>The plot is fast-paced and I loved every second of reading it. My critic points are really small. I did not completely vibe with a love relationship and I think the epilogue is a teaser for a second book even tho this was published as a standalone. I wouldn't mind a second volume of this universe. To be honest, I haven't seen Avatar: The Last Airbender so I can not tell you if it's really a Zuko and Katara thing but nevertheless I really enjoyed my reading time with this book

Conclusion
A really good fantasy debut novel.
I give 4,5 from 5 Stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jade fire gold is a debut fantasy novel about a girl called Ahn, who lost about everything in life and is trying to keep her magic from being revealed to avoid further problems with the regime of her world. This is until her magical power is discovered and a whole new world of adventures begin. At the same time, Altan is looking for her, intended to kill her and thus avenge his family. But their paths cross, and they realize not everything is as it seems.

This story began great for me. I was invested in the characters and in the storyline. I loved the world and the desert setting, but it quickly backpedaled for me. It wasn't really the plot, but the pace of the story that ruined it for me. I was enjoying the slow start, but suddenly everything was happening at the same time. Fights were being fought, people were falling in love, secret objects were being discovered. It just felt overwhelming and rushed. This story truly had potential for me, but the story felt squeezed in, and I found myself losing interest further along. But don't let me put you off this story. The plot is great, the characters are likable, just the pace was somehow off.

About five chapters in, I knew I was holding in my hands one of my new lifetime favourites. This is what I usually look for in books: a moment for the protagonists to be great, a moment where they make me laugh and a moment when they tug at my heartstrings. These three elements are essential for me. Every item above was checked and re-checked and I went to book heaven from the get-go. The novel totals 57 chapters of the same calibre (plus the epilogue), so I am not kidding around when I tell you this was a brilliant read.

"Jade Fire Gold" is a coming-of-age story, obviously influenced by the wuxia (martial arts warriars in Chinese fiction) and xianxia (Chinese high-fantasy) genres. laced with reluctant allies and court intrigue (also: apples and mooncakes, which in my opinion are as equally important). It made me really hungry for good food and adventure. It was an epic journey and so well executed it gave me chills. Chills! If my powers of persuasion or the title alone don't encourage you to grab a copy, I don't know what will.

Actual rating: 2,5/5

Long story short, this was underwhelming.

We follow Ahn, a village girl caring for her sick grandmother, and Altan, who is seeking revenge for the murder of his family.

Jade Fire Gold was one of my most anticipated YA releases this year (this shouldn’t come as a surprise - “Zuko hunting down a dark Avatar Katara” is quite the premise.)
I will start off this review saying I might have liked this more if I went into it with lower expectations, or if I had been able to read this when I was young and still new to the fantasy genre.
Jade Fire Gold has a lot of potential to be a fun adventure story. The writing was pretty good for a debut YA and easy to follow. I enjoyed how the imperial family and their infighting for power was presented, and I definitely wished we could have seen more of the Diyeh, magical priests who are on a quest to destroy other magic users. I felt like this was an interesting subplot which could have been explored more.

My main issues were the pacing and the characters.

The narrative was told from first-person POV’s of both Ahn and Altan. I found their inner voice to be completely indistinguishable and often had to scroll back to check which one’s chapter I was reading, which isn’t the best sign when both characters have wildly different backgrounds and upbringings. Both characters were quite generic and needed more dept, which caused their inner conflicts not to ring true and made it very difficult to care whether or not they succeeded in their goals.
I did like the side characters though, but as most of the book focusses heavily on Ahn and Altan we didn’t see much of them.

I also struggled immensely with the pacing. The plot didn’t develop smoothly, and neither did the romance. One paragraph a character would be hesitant about trusting a stranger, and in the very next sentence they would start pouring their heart out to this very same person. Especially towards the latter half of the book there are a lot of sudden time jumps which are mostly confusing and make the book feel even more disjointed.
The pacing had also ramifications for the romance. I know the marketing calls this enemies-to-lovers, but as it’s very, very rushed it doesn’t develop enough and reads more like insta-love. There’s a lot of telling and not enough showing for the emotional scenes, and the large time jumping absolutely doesn’t help to feel like they truly have a connection.

Overall, I would have liked more even pacing and a chance to delve deeper into the characters. I do think this would be an enjoyable read for people who are newer to the YA fantasy genre.

DRC provided by Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Representation: Chinese-coded protagonists, lesbian Chinese-coded tertiary characters, gay Chinese-coded tertiary character, Chinese-coded secondary and tertiary characters.

Content Warning: violence, death, maiming, mentions of parental death, grief, loss, misogyny, sexism, torture.

Fire Jade Gold by June CL. Tan is an interesting Chinese-inspired fantasy debut about fate, family, revenge, political plots and magic.

Ahn is a young girl with no memories of her childhood.

Altan is a prince, masquerading as a foreigner, trying to take back his throne.

Two strangers whose fates are irreversibly intertwined.

Reviewing this book will be hard and not because I exceptionally loved it or hated it, but because I think the publishing world irrevocably ruined. A three-stars is not a low rating per se, at least for me, but in this case it is lower than what this book could have deserved as it had all the ingredients and promise to have been a great book (insta-love, slow-burn romance aside which is something I generally do not particularly like. Especially when the two characters are both given a point-of-view and the only obstacle between them is their stubbornness).

If I am not mistaken, I read or heard June say that her initial manuscript was definitely longer than the final one and while I understand that some cutting must be done, I reckon it happened excessively in this case. I cannot change my mind about the fact that had it been longer the book would have been extremely better and also this should have never been a standalone in the first place. The plot was too fast (everything happened so quickly and there was no time to appreciate the world-building or the magic system) and the side characters were given little to no time to shine as they deserved (I truly think that the novel would have worked better with multiple points-of-view).

Jade Fire Gold is a book I still would like to recommend, mostly because more readers would mean more chances to get the sequel this book needs and should have given in the first place.

Ahn believes herself to be nothing more than a desert orphan in the empire, struggling to make ends meet to care for herself and her grandmother, but a devastating encounter reveals that she possesses a destructive magic that leads her to cross paths with Altan, the lost prince seeking revenge against those who destroyed his family.

If you've watched your fair share of wuxia and xianxia dramas, you'll sink right into this book. It's a fun amalgamation of YA fantasy with Chinese fantasy, borrowing familiar tropes and bringing the reader into a world of martial artists, magical objects of great power, and delicious Chinese food. The world is lush with magic and adventure, and I would definitely enjoy more books in this series. I also appreciate the themes within the book about war and class disparity, although the book didn't necessarily do a lot with them.

That alone was enough to draw me in, but the story ambitiously tells the journeys of six characters: while Ahn and Altan are the main perspective characters, the side characters Linxi, Tang Wei, Tai Shun, and Leiye are all interesting additions working in the central plot. I found that the novel was a bit too ambitious, though, and that the characters didn't get enough space to develop as much as I would've liked. The fast-paced adventure plot forced the characters and their relationships to develop quickly, which ended up being underwhelming. I almost wish that this book had been longer, so there could have been just a little bit more.

Overall, Jade Fire Gold is a fun read that was ultimately too short for its full potential to be utilized. I look forward to any future books in this world.